Barca had everything in their favour with a 1-0 lead and after the victory in Paris, but the action in which Ronald Araujowas sent off dynamited their chances. Gundogan, a player who, in his first year, has already shown that he is not one to hide his opinion, although it may not be the easiest for the rest to understand. This time, the midfielder offered his version again.
"This is the Champions League. No matter the opponent, it's impossible to come back if one of your players gets sent off. We are very disappointed. We felt we were in control of the game until the red card. If it's a foul, it's a red card. I didn't see the replay and you probably saw it better," he told 'TNT Sports'.
He did not hide his opinion on Araujo's decision: "It's difficult, but in these crucial moments you have to be clear that you will get to the ball. If you don't get to the ball, you have to let it go. I prefer to concede the goal or leave a striker on the one-on-one. Give our goalkeeper a chance to save it. Or even concede the goal, but leave you a man down so early..."
"So many minutes with ten... it kills you," closed the German international, visibly touched by his team's elimination. A speech contrary to the one Xavi Hernandez took at his press conference, who exonerated the Uruguayan in front of the media. "For me, it's too much to show red. It changes the game," he said to the microphones after the final whistle.
Gundogan, aware of Barca's privileged 1-0 lead, acknowledged that the team had "given the game away" in "the easiest way". He even addressed Barca's lack of consistency in Vitinha's goal.
"He was unmarked! It's nothing we haven't trained for. The player closest to the ball has to jump to close down. It was a three-on-three
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